Prognostic significance of selected immunological and biochemical parameters in the cerebrospinal fluid of Ossimi sheep with encephalitic listeriosis

Dietary rosemary extract modulated gut microbiota and influenced the growth, meat quality, serum biochemistry, antioxidant, and immune capacities of broilers

After the legislative ban on the utilization of antibiotics in animal feed, phytochemical substances gained increasing attention as alternatives to antibiotics because of their bioactivities and safety for animals. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary rosemary extract (RE) on growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemistry, antioxidant and immune capacities, and gut microbiota composition of broilers. By exploring connections among RE, physiological characteristics of broilers, and key microbiota, we sought to provide evidence for the utilization of RE in poultry feed. A total of 280 1-d-old female AA broilers were randomly separated into five groups, and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 mg/kg of RE, respectively. Results showed that with regard to growth performance, both 500 and 750 mg/kg RE reduced the broiler feed-to-gain ratio from 1 to 21 d (P = 0.018). Regarding meat quality, all compositions of dietary RE reduced cooking loss of breast muscle (P < 0.01), and 500 and 1,000 mg/kg RE reduced the cooking loss of thigh muscle (P = 0.045). Regarding serum biochemical indexes, 500 mg/kg RE reduced ALB, TCHO, HDL-C, and LDL-C, and 750 mg/kg RE reduced GLU, TP, ALB, UA, TG, TCHO, HDL-C, and LDL-C (P < 0.01). Regarding antioxidant and immune capacities, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 mg/kg RE increased T-AOC, GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, IL-2, IgA, IgG, and IgM levels (P < 0.01), and decreased serum MDA level (P < 0.01). RE at 750 mg/kg showed similar effects on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidative and immune capacities, but a better influence on serum biochemical indexes of broilers compared with 500 mg/kg. Further analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of 750 mg/kg dietary RE on the gut microbial composition of broilers, and the results showed that 750 mg/kg RE reduced the relative abundance of g_Lachnoclostridium, g_Escherichia_Shigella, and g_Marvinbryantia (P <0.05, LDA score >2), which were negatively correlated to antioxidative and immune-associated parameters (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 750 mg/kg dietary RE was shown to have certain beneficial effects on growth performance and meat quality, and hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects on broilers. Furthermore, dietary RE improved antioxidant and immune capacities, which was partially attributed to the reduced abundance of certain pathogenic bacteria in broilers.

Brainstem and Cranial Nerve Disorders of Ruminants

Asymmetrical signs of brainstem disease occur relatively infrequently in ruminants. The most common differential diagnoses include listeriosis, otitis media/interna, and pituitary abscess syndrome. Although these conditions produce signs of brainstem dysfunction, the diseases can usually be differentiated based on historical findings and subtle clinical differences. Basic laboratory diagnostic tests are often not specific in the definitive diagnosis but may be supportive. Advanced imaging techniques have proven to be useful in the diagnosis of otitis media/interna. Presumptive clinical diagnosis is confirmed at necropsy. Treatment involves a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy but is unrewarding in cases of pituitary abscess syndrome.